Goddesses of small things: The personal deities of Uttarakhand could save religion across India

Uttarakhand is perhaps one of the most beautifully sited states in India. It fits our idea of a Dev Bhoomi, a land fit for divine habitation. Gods are aplenty here, the majority of them local. Many of them are pre-Aryan and, after originating from various parts of India and Asia, became one with the locals. Today they are all protectors of those who reside among the rugged mountains and forests of fragrant pines and majestic oaks, the passes (durra), valleys (bugyals), natural springs (naulas) and life-giving rivers. [more]